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Imperial Japanese Navy tank

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  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 2:34 PM

Thanks, no big deal - just curoius.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 2:12 PM

No, mine did not, but I've seen some with white metal before. I'll look them up to see which ones came with some.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 7:52 AM

Rob, I assume your Te-Ki didn't come with the white metal parts? I'd seen photos of the early FM kits with them on the internet but never in person. I've picked up a number of their kits just because of some of the off the wall subjects. Of course that's at the HLJ prices.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:27 PM

constructor

Fine Molds is really expensive. Looking at the content of the box makes me wonder how it got to be so expensive. And thanks to you Scat.

You are correct. I bought my first Fine Molds kit when a friend/neighbor from the Air Force traveled there for temporary duty around 2002-03. I asked him to look for a Fine Molds tank model for me. I gave him $100 and told him to buy a small one that looked unique. I sent him with a picture of the available Tamiya Chi-Ha so he would know what not to buy.

He came back with the Fine Molds Te-Ke Type 97 (kit FM-5) which cost 8000 yen (about $80 back then). The kit was tiny; about the size of a 1/72 scale Abrams tank kit, but taller. The completed kit was 4" by 2" and about 3" tall. It is a very small 1/35 scale model kit that cost me $80, but the kit sold in the US for about $150 if you could find it. Today, 8000 yen is worth $104.

I was immediately impressed with the level of detail. The tank came with a complete interior, although the engine was not a stand alone complete engine. It was a series of inserts visible from engine hatches that could be displayed opened or closed.

There was a turned brass barrel about 1" in length and the tracks were petite individual links done in black plastic. A small photo etched fret was inside too.

Fast forward to a few years ago, 2006 or so. I bought another Te-Ke but kit FM-10. It is the same kit as the first Te-Ke, but did not include a metal barrel and the interior sprue was now molded in gray versus OD. Everything else is the same but the price is now 3500 yen, or about $40.

Today, at Hobby Link Japan, most Fine Molds tank kits run between $30-$45 with a couple being in the $65-70 range and one (that big Type 89 that came with 3 magazines http://www.hlj.com/product/FNMOTH-02 ) that costs $100. They are fairly expensive for the size, but are pretty nice kits.

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 6:59 PM

That's a cool looking model, nice work.  It's rare to see a Japanese tank.  I know Tamiya released a few not too long ago but the price was ridiculous.

-Jesse

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Philippines
Posted by constructor on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 4:28 PM

Rob Gronovius

I did the same thing several days ago when I first saw CH's announcement on HyperScale's Tank Talk. A lot of money, but still less than half of what Fine Molds IJA tank kits went for when they first came out.

Fine Molds is really expensive. Looking at the content of the box makes me wonder how it got to be so expensive. And thanks to you Scat.

  • Member since
    March 2010
Posted by stcat on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 1:38 PM

Ditto on the weathering.  The temptation must have been great to slather on the mud, but it's perfect the way you did it.  The rusting on the joints is not overwhelmed and becomes a great focal point.

Great job!  I learned something from this.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 12:35 PM

I did the same thing several days ago when I first saw CH's announcement on HyperScale's Tank Talk. A lot of money, but still less than half of what Fine Molds IJA tank kits went for when they first came out.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Philippines
Posted by constructor on Monday, September 19, 2011 7:04 AM

Gamera

Well, I just got rid of those 'Dragon Dollars' that were burning up my pocket by ordering the Cyberhobby kit with the pontoons and the Sherman 'Jumbo' they have announced for early next year. Angel

Hope mine comes out half as good as yours Constructor.

Better, I'm sure Gamera. Good luck on your built. Be careful whenbuilding the gun mount do not use to much cement or the gun might not elevate. (Earlier post)

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Sunday, September 18, 2011 7:43 PM

Well, I just got rid of those 'Dragon Dollars' that were burning up my pocket by ordering the Cyberhobby kit with the pontoons and the Sherman 'Jumbo' they have announced for early next year. Angel

Hope mine comes out half as good as yours Constructor.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Sunday, September 18, 2011 5:20 PM

They probably fully intended to issue this kit with pontoons but knew they would get sales with just the tank and then those who had to have it will buy it with pontoons as well. One kit, two sets of sales.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Philippines
Posted by constructor on Sunday, September 18, 2011 4:14 PM

terry35

Constructor Sir, I am blown away by your finish on this one,first class. I'm saving your images as reference for when I get to mine, truly inspiring work.

 

Terry.

Thanks terry35. Now we can get on with our lives now that the ka-mi with pontoons is out. I hate Dragon!

Noli

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Saturday, September 17, 2011 5:46 PM

Constructor Sir, I am blown away by your finish on this one,first class. I'm saving your images as reference for when I get to mine, truly inspiring work.

 

Terry.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Philippines
Posted by constructor on Saturday, September 17, 2011 4:48 PM

SprueOne

very fine build and paint, Constructor 

 

Thanks SprueOne and all those who replied to this post. It really made the built more interesting. I think Dragon heard all the clamoring for the pontoon.

Noli

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: California
Posted by SprueOne on Saturday, September 17, 2011 3:58 PM

very fine build and paint, Constructor 

 

Anyone with a good car don't need to be justified - Hazel Motes

 

Iron Rails 2015 by Wayne Cassell Weekend Madness sprueone

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Friday, September 16, 2011 5:45 PM

I've got to go with Erik on this one. Although it may be reissued in the future, the tendency is to make a limited run of the white boxes, charge a lot of money and then let modelers regret waiting too long to buy one.

This is a "get it while you can" model.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Friday, September 16, 2011 12:54 PM

Ack, I hate to spend that much on one model. Well, last week was my birthday so I suppose I could treat myself to something cool.

Thanks Erik!

 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Ohio
Posted by Geist on Friday, September 16, 2011 12:26 PM

Gamera

Thanks Rob!!!

Looks fantastic! I'll wait a year or so till the price drops before I pick one up but still this is what I've been looking for.

Thanks again Rob!

Cliff

 

 

This being a "White Box" release waiting a year probably won't be a good idea, it's likely to be NLA by then.

 

 

Erik

On the bench: Italeri Leopard 1A2 correction build with Perfect Scale turret and Eduard PE

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Denver
Posted by tankboy51 on Friday, September 16, 2011 11:53 AM

Great looking model.  I'll be looking at this post when the one I have works it's way into the build rotation.  It might have just been pushed up a bit thanks to your build.  Now to get the one with the pontoons!

Doug

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Friday, September 16, 2011 11:19 AM

Thanks Rob!!!

Looks fantastic! I'll wait a year or so till the price drops before I pick one up but still this is what I've been looking for.

Thanks again Rob!

Cliff

 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Friday, September 16, 2011 8:46 AM

Gamera

Beautiful work! I too love the weathering. I think this is the first time I've seen this kit built up, thanks for posting!

Just waiting for a pair of pontoons to pick up mine.

It's out with pontoons: http://www.cyber-hobby.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9967

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Mexico
Posted by rtvmodeler on Thursday, September 15, 2011 7:11 PM

Yes Excellent work friend!

Regards,
Rodolfo

Current Project:

Figures from Dragon, "German 6th Army, Stalingrad 1942-1943", 1/35

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Thursday, September 15, 2011 6:14 PM

Outstanding piece of work. A unique subject and very well-executed!

I like the color--it says "DON'T SHOOT ME!" Big Smile

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Surrey B.C. Canada
Posted by Subhuman1 on Thursday, September 15, 2011 5:13 PM

Very nice bit of work there Constructor! looks great! I agree with the flag being just the right splash of colour to make this build pop!

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cat Central, NC
Posted by Bronto on Thursday, September 15, 2011 1:01 PM

Very well done!

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Thursday, September 15, 2011 11:16 AM

Nice to see one of these get built up. Nothing to add to what's already been mentioned except to say good job! Beer

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Philippines
Posted by constructor on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:42 PM

psstoff995's lbro

Nice work! I think the propellers could use a little weathering. Although I don't know very much about (bronze?). 

I'm still looking for any reference to the props but I guess I will end up with some mud. Thanks" psstoff995's lbro"

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Northern Va
Posted by psstoff995's lbro on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:33 PM

Nice work! I think the propellers could use a little weathering. Although I don't know very much about (bronze?). 

-Will young modeler Test fit master
  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Democratic Peoples Republic of Illinois
Posted by Hercmech on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 1:41 PM

Very cool build and cool subject


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